Ciao Vale!

[Warwick]

An extraordinary career. An extraordinary talent.

Sundays just won't be the same next year.

Ciao Vale. Grazie per tutti! 

[problemchild]

from "il dotore" to "il Comandante"
maybe he gets back on the podium with his team...

[Steveog]

I'm seriously considering going to Austin, Texas for the US MotoGP in October, Warwick. Last chance to see him ride.

My hope for Vale is that he stay out of trouble and "walk" away at Valencia.

[Warwick]

I'm seriously consider going to Austin, Texas for the US MotoGP in October, Warwick. Last chance to see him ride.

My hope for Vale is that he stay out of trouble and "walk" away at Valencia.

A great idea, Steve. Definitely worth dipping the fingers into the bucket list fund for I'd say. 

[bulldogboy]

Sad day indeed to watch that press conference, while he is still on track there is still a connection to all those past eras he's raced through, when he retires it really will be the end of an era, not just a rider retiring,and it all then just becomes GP history, is why it felt sad i think.
To get up every morning for all those years and dedicate yourself to that level is rare in any sport.

[SouthCoastRich]

The last of the prior two stroke riders in MotoGP?

[chippy]

I remember being gutted when the 500's disappeared but Rossi kept the interest going in the new class. I can't help thinking he should have pulled out a bit earlier as its been soul destroying watching him struggle with bikes and tyres. Marquez raised the stakes too high  and still is the man to beat. It really is the end of another era. Just hope is doesn't go flat as it did towards the end of the Doohan reign. Rossi has done more for the sport than anyone I can remember just glad I was around to see it all.

[ybk]

^^ Well said. Also been watching him for 20 odd years now, going to be strange and sad not seeing the 46 on track anymore. Saw him years ago with MotoGP's first and only visit to SA. He's competed against so many generations of riders it's quite incredible. Last year's champ Mir was born(1997) a year after Rossi started racing(1996)...

Even Marquez is now becoming one of the 'older' guys with the new young piranha's snapping at his heels.

[thump566]

Agreed, a sad day but good to know he will still be involved in the sport 

[jools]

A True Champion, but I think he's doing the right thing.

Thanks for the memories Doctor